If glasses get in the way of sport, or you would prefer days without contact lenses, OrthoK may be worth considering. Worn overnight and removed in the morning, these lenses temporarily reshape the cornea to reduce daytime blur. Continued wear is needed. 1
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we assess whether OrthoK can deliver useful vision for your prescription and daily routine. The aim is to find an option you can comfortably and consistently manage.
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Can adults wear OrthoK lenses?
Yes. Adult OrthoK is primarily a way to correct vision without wearing lenses during waking hours. Suitability depends on more than age or prescription: corneal shape, eye health, tear film and visual demands all matter. 2
It may appeal if you play sport, dislike glasses under a helmet, or want a non surgical option. Tell us what you want to change about your current correction, and where you need the sharpest vision, such as night driving, detailed work or long shifts.
What about higher prescriptions and astigmatism?
VCO assesses selected prescriptions up to approximately −9.00 D of myopia, including some with significant astigmatism. See OrthoK for high myopia and astigmatism. This is a practice specific assessment range, not a guarantee of full correction at its upper limit.
Corneal mapping helps us assess the shape and symmetry of your eyes. We will discuss whether complete daytime correction is realistic, whether some additional correction may be needed, and when another option would serve you better.
What if daytime contact lenses make my eyes dry?
Removing lenses during the day may be appealing, but OrthoK does not treat every cause of dry eye. We need to assess the ocular surface before recommending overnight wear. Existing irritation or dry-eye disease may need attention first. 2
What vision can I expect?
Daytime vision depends on prescription, fit and wearing routine. It can fluctuate during fitting, and there is no fixed number of nights after which everyone can put their glasses aside. 1
Some people notice glare, halos or reduced visual quality in dim light. A good result on a bright consulting room chart does not automatically mean comfortable night driving, so tell us about these symptoms. 2
Plan backup correction with your optometrist during fitting or interruptions. Do not drive unless your vision is adequate for safe driving and meets any conditions on your licence.
OrthoK, laser surgery or daytime lenses?
A non-surgical option
OrthoK’s reshaping effect wears off after stopping lens wear. Laser refractive surgery alters the cornea surgically and has a different suitability assessment and risk profile. Being unsuitable for laser surgery does not automatically make you suitable for OrthoK. 1
If you later seek a surgical assessment, tell the surgeon you wear OrthoK. They will need to decide how long to stop the lenses and confirm that measurements have stabilised before planning treatment.
A different daily commitment
Glasses avoid contact lens handling. Daytime contact lenses put that routine into your waking hours. OrthoK moves lens wear to sleep, but still requires cleaning, storage, replacement lenses and follow-up.
Ask for a written explanation of initial fitting, reviews, replacement lenses and care product costs so you can compare the ongoing commitment, not just the first appointment.
Does OrthoK slow myopia in adults?
Myopia can continue to progress in adulthood. However, the evidence for slowing it with treatment is much stronger in children than adults. The International Myopia Institute highlights the limited adult treatment evidence, so childhood percentage-reduction claims should not be applied to adults. 3
If your prescription is still changing, we will assess the pattern and discuss monitoring separately from your daytime vision correction. Clear vision after OrthoK does not establish that eye growth has stopped. Learn more about myopia management and our comparison of myopia control treatments.
Fitting, sleep and follow-up
Starting the fitting
Your assessment includes your prescription, eye health and corneal mapping. We discuss your work, driving and sleep pattern before deciding whether to proceed. If lenses are prescribed, insertion, removal and cleaning need to be manageable before you use them independently.
Experience behind the programme
Our OrthoK programme starts from $2,000 for both eyes, including lenses and unlimited visits over the first six months. We offer all major Ortho-K brands including Paragon CRT, Menicon Alpha, WAVE NightLens, Euclid, Emerald, and one of the most popular brands, EyeSpace Forge. Shonit Jagmohan was part of the team that developed the Forge/EyeSpace OrthoK lens technology now used by other practitioners, including some of VCO’s competitors. That development experience informs our approach to individual lens design and refinement. See OrthoK fitting and fees.
Making the routine work
Follow your prescribed wearing schedule. IMI guidance generally recommends at least eight hours of overnight OrthoK wear. Shift work, short sleep or frequent travel are reasons to discuss the practicalities before starting. 4
Early reviews check the fit, vision and eye response. Regular aftercare remains necessary once vision feels settled, because comfort alone cannot show that the lens and cornea are healthy. 5
Replacement timing depends on the lens design, condition and clinical findings. VCO’s existing guidance is commonly around 18–24 months, but damage, deposits or changes in fit may require earlier replacement. Read about OrthoK review and refitting.
Lens care and symptoms that need urgent attention
Overnight contact lens wear carries a risk of corneal infection, which can threaten sight. Careful fitting, consistent cleaning and regular reviews reduce avoidable risks but cannot eliminate them. 5
Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Use the recommended cleaning and disinfecting products, use fresh solution, and keep lenses away from tap water and saliva. Do not swim or shower in them. 6
Remove the lenses and seek urgent eye care if you develop pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or reduced vision. Do not reinsert them while waiting for advice. If the practice cannot arrange prompt assessment, attend an emergency eye service or emergency department. 6
Before your appointment
Bring enough information for us to compare OrthoK with your current correction.
- Bring your glasses, current contact-lens details and earlier prescriptions or eye reports.
- Tell us about dry-eye symptoms, previous eye surgery and medicines.
- Describe your sleep pattern, night driving, sport and work requirements.
- Ask whether to leave existing contact lenses out before corneal mapping; the required break is individual.
Adult OrthoK assessments in Camberwell
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell, in Melbourne’s inner east, serving Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury and across Australia. Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin.
To explore whether OrthoK suits your eyes and lifestyle, book an assessment or call 03 9882 5666. Our orthokeratology page explains the broader fitting process. Parents can read about OrthoK for children and teenagers.
Questions about adult OrthoK
Will I still need reading glasses?
You may. Correcting distance blur does not restore the eye’s age related loss of near focusing, called presbyopia. Discuss reading and screen needs before deciding on a correction strategy. 2
Can I swim without the lenses?
The lenses are normally removed in the morning, so daytime swimming does not involve wearing them. Never swim with OrthoK lenses in your eyes. 6
Can I stop if it does not suit me?
Yes, but arrange the transition with your optometrist. As the reshaping effect wears off, your vision and correction needs change. Have a plan for glasses or another correction method rather than assuming your old prescription will work immediately. 1
References
- Bullimore MA, Johnson LA. Overnight orthokeratology. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2020;43(4):322–332. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2020.03.018.
- Charm J. Orthokeratology: clinical utility and patient perspectives. Clinical Optometry. 2017;9:33–40.
- Bullimore MA, Lee SSY, Schmid KL, et al. IMI—Onset and Progression of Myopia in Young Adults. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2023;64(6):2. doi:10.1167/iovs.64.6.2.
- Gifford KL, Richdale K, Kang P, et al. IMI – Clinical Management Guidelines Report. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2019;60(3):M184–M203. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25977.
- Liu YM, Xie P. The Safety of Orthokeratology—A Systematic Review. Eye & Contact Lens. 2016;42(1):35–42. doi:10.1097/ICL.0000000000000219.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 10 September 2026.
Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Book your appointment with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in OrthoK fitting for adults and children. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
